Former U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at imposing new tariffs on the European Union (EU), rekindling trade tensions with the 27-member bloc.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump was asked whether he planned to introduce tariffs on EU imports. He responded, “Do you want the truthful answer or the political answer? Absolutely.”
Trump, who has frequently criticized the EU for alleged unfair trade practices, reiterated his stance, stating, “The European Union has treated us so terribly.”
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This isn’t the first time he has taken a tough approach to EU trade. In 2018, during his first term, he imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminum exports, leading to retaliatory duties from the EU on American goods, including whiskey and motorcycles.
In December 2024, Trump warned of a potential trade war unless the EU increased its purchases of American oil and gas. His latest remarks have reignited concerns over economic instability between two of the world’s largest trading partners.
EU Threatens Retaliation
The European Commission has indicated it will respond “firmly” if Washington moves ahead with new tariffs.
A commission spokesperson told AFP that the EU “regrets the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China,” calling such measures “economically disruptive” and inflationary.
“The EU would respond firmly to any trading partner that unfairly or arbitrarily imposes tariffs on EU goods,” the spokesperson warned, though they acknowledged that the bloc had not yet been informed of any specific actions against European products.
Emphasizing the significance of the transatlantic trade relationship—the world’s largest—the commission urged the U.S. to prioritize cooperation over confrontation.
EU leaders are scheduled to meet in Brussels on Monday to discuss Trump’s latest remarks and consider potential countermeasures.
Beyond trade tensions, friction between Trump and European allies has also escalated due to his renewed interest in Greenland. The mineral-rich Arctic island, an autonomous Danish territory, has long been a point of interest for Trump’s geopolitical ambitions.
